Make the library your first stop for the holidays
By Kathleen Whalin
Children's Librarian
For many years, I've tried to make at least some of my holiday presents. I see the holidays as a chance to think of people I care about and create something they might enjoy receiving.
Before heading to the crowded stores, stop by the library for some ideas of things you can create. We have the holiday issues of many popular magazines vying for a chance to make your holiday season perfect. We also have books to browse for inspiration. I taught myself embroidery and needlepoint, techniques I now use in stitching annual holiday ornaments, using one of Erica Wilson's books on embroidery for children.
Whether you stitch or cook or bake or knit or do rubber stamping or scrapbooking, the library is an inexhaustible source of new ideas. Don't overlook titles for younger readers to learn a craft - the directions are usually simple and clear.
Here's a list of some titles to get you started. Make the most of this season!
"All New Crafts for Thanksgiving" by Kathy Ross, ideas good enough to gobble! "Glorious Color" by Kaffe Fassett. Fassett's use of color and pattern in knitting and needlepoint design is beyond astonishing. "Great American Wreaths" by Martha Stewart. Wreaths welcome visitors to your home and are equally welcome as gifts. "Injeanuity" by Ellen Warwick; escape from boring blue jeans. "Jewish Holidays All Year Round" by Ilene Cooper; recipes and crafts for any occasion. "Knitgrrl" by Shannon Okey, fifteen projects to introduce the novice knitter to the wonders of yarn. "The Michaels Book of Paper Crafts" by Dawn Cusick, cards, wrapping paper and more. "The Muppets Big Book of Crafts," wildly creative concoctions from masters of mayhem. "Nature's Art Box" by Laura Martin, craft projects that celebrate natural materials. "Rose's Christmas Cookies" by Rose Levy Beranbaum, wrap up several boxes and give them away! "Stonewall Kitchen Harvest" by Jim Stott. Our creative local business shares ideas to do at home.
